24 February 2026
The 52nd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition Showcases 75 Visual Artists Across Diverse Artistic Approaches
The fifty-second Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition brought together 75 visual artists presenting diverse artistic experiences and varied visual approaches, reflecting a wide range of perspectives and styles across different forms of visual expression.
The official opening was held at the Bahrain National Museum, where His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, deputised His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to inaugurate the exhibition.
The opening ceremony began with the recognition of the exhibition’s award winners in celebration of their creativity and meaningful contributions to enriching the local art scene. Abduljabbar Al Ghadhban received Al Dana Prize for his work “Suffering”. Khalid Al Abbas was awarded the Nexus Program Prize presented by Al Riwaq Art Space, while Hussain Ali received the Art Station Prize presented by RAK Art Foundation.
In addition, the Jury Committee honoured artist Camille Zakharia in recognition of his outstanding contributions to documenting architecture in the Gulf region, resulting in the creation of a significant visual archive reflecting the identity and cultural features of place, as well as for his continued support of the cultural scene in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The exhibition also announced the selection of artists for solo exhibition opportunities. Dr. Mayasa Al Sowaidi was granted an opportunity by Folk Art Space, Ahmed Al Asad by Gallery56, and Sh. Rasha bint Salman Al Khalifa by Albareh Art Space.
These results followed a thorough and carefully considered evaluation of the participating works, based on precise artistic criteria adopted by the Jury Committee, which included Dr. Effat Fadag, curator and Director of Naqsh Art Studio; Suheyla Takesh, Director of Barjeel Art Foundation; and Hayfa Al Jishi, curator and founder of Albareh Art Space. Curator Bader Al Saad oversaw the overall artistic coordination of the exhibition.
On this occasion, Abduljabbar Al Ghadhban, recipient of Al Dana Prize, expressed his pride in winning the prize for the second time, noting that it reflects the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities’ commitment to supporting artists and encouraging them to present their best work.
He explained that his artwork addressed a sensitive humanitarian theme portraying the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, through a style combining painting and graphic art. The work powerfully depicted pain in the faces of women and children, adding that these burdened expressions were not merely visual elements, but formed the core of the jury’s emotional response and highlighted the expressive strength and human dimension of the piece.
He also underscored the vital role of experienced artists in supporting emerging talents, drawing on his long-standing experience in organising specialised graphic art workshops since the 1990s to nurture young artistic capacities. He emphasised that investing in such talents enhances the vitality of the local art scene and positions the exhibition as a launchpad for young artists to shine locally and internationally. He noted that his association with the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition dates back to its first edition in 1972, when he participated as a school student.
He further affirmed that the exhibition serves as a distinguished platform enabling artists to explore new horizons and develop their practices, stressing the importance of supporting selected works for participation in international exhibitions and external artistic missions. He highlighted that the Kingdom of Bahrain is home to artistic talents that have achieved recognition regionally and internationally since the early 2000s, through diverse practices in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and participation in biennials and international exhibitions.
The Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition will continue until 19 April at the Bahrain National Museum, welcoming visitors daily during official working hours, except Tuesdays. The exhibition represents a dynamic platform showcasing leading, contemporary, and emerging visual practices under the umbrella of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
Since its establishment in 1972, the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition has been a distinguished annual highlight in the Authority’s cultural calendar, spotlighting the various forms of visual and fine arts in the Kingdom and embodying the depth and continuity of Bahrain’s artistic and cultural movement in every edition.
